Leisure Launch Group Chairman, Davide Patricio, was interviewed in the most recent edition of 'Business' magazine, distributed with the prestigious Portuguese newspaper "Diário de Notícias".
In this article, our Chairman shared the story of our Group, a trusted partner for investors and families seeking to buy property in Portugal for over two decades.
Davide Patricio also highlighted our exclusive Simple Life Home Buyer services and how our companies contribute to the revitalisation and economic growth of the local communities where we are present.
The interview also covered why the Silver Coast is our Group’s primary investment region, along with insights into the future of Portugal’s real estate market.
Read the full article below (in English)!
The Complete Property Solution for Foreign Homebuyers
For two decades, Leisure Launch property group has been helping investors and families worldwide to invest safely on Portugal's Silver Coast. Based in São Martinho do Porto, the group offers a full-service solution that simplifies the entire home-buying process, ensuring long-term value for the region.
Leisure Launch Group, through its Simple Life Home Buyer service, has successfully introduced over 2,000 foreign families to Portugal. By addressing the unique needs of international investors, the group has built a reputation for making the process of investing in Portugal seamless and efficient.
Interview with Davide Patricio, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Leisure Launch International
1. Can you introduce the Leisure Launch Group?
Leisure Launch Property Group specialises in helping foreign investors purchase second homes on Portugal's Silver Coast. Our clients, from across the world, seek the comfort and security of a smooth and reliable buying process. With over two decades of experience, we offer a complete range of services to ensure a secure and stress-free property purchase.
The journey starts with our international real estate agencies — Portugal Realty, serving English and French speakers, and Immo Portugal, catering to Dutch and Flemish-speaking clients. Our internationally certified Realtors help clients find and secure their ideal property.
Once a property is selected, Leisure Launch Consulting manages the project, overseeing construction and ensuring timely completion to high standards. Afterwards, Portugal Interiors steps in to provide a full furnishing and décor service, preparing the home to be move-in ready.
Upon completion, SCH Solutions manages property rentals, maintenance, and overall property care, while Portugal Accounting handles all tax-related matters, ensuring compliance with Portuguese laws.
We are also property developers. Our construction arm, PRESPROP – Portugal Construction, is one of the leading residential builders in the region. Together with other trusted developers, we deliver modern homes in unique coastal locations, ensuring our clients receive high-quality properties.
By offering all these services in-house, we ensure our clients have a seamless, secure, and worry-free experience.
2. Why did you choose Portugal’s Silver Coast as your primary investment region?
We found Portugal’s Silver Coast to be an excellent region for investment. It offers low-density development, a stunning coastline, and an authentic Portuguese experience. The area not only has a beautiful coastline,, but also a countryside filled with forests, vineyards, and orchards. Its location, just an hour from Lisbon airport, makes it even more appealing. Plus, the Silver Coast offers better value for investors compared to more established areas, making it an ideal investment destination.
3. How would you describe the types of properties that the Leisure Launch Group focuses on?
Leisure Launch Group specializes in modern, new-build homes designed with the latest technologies. Our clients look for comfortable, beautifully designed properties that offer plenty of natural light and are in prime areas close to the sea.
“We focus on delivering homes that combine modern design with excellent locations, ensuring the best possible living experience and potential for capital growth.”
4. Which countries do your clients primarily come from, and how do you attract international investors to Portugal?
Our clients come from across the English and French-speaking world, including the UK, France, Canada, and the USA. Through our Dutch-language brand, Immo Portugal, with offices in Antwerp, we are the most recognized Dutch-language real estate agent selling Portuguese property in the Netherlands and Belgium. We also attract clients from Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East, the Far East, and Australia.
We are blessed with a reputation that spans two decades, which encourages many clients to refer other investors to us. We have consistently maintained a strong international presence at overseas property shows and established a robust digital media presence.
We also sponsor the Portugal The Simple Life Podcast, which reaches 68 countries. This podcast discusses various topics related to investing in Portugal, providing insights on navigating the property purchasing process, and tips on enjoying the best lifestyle and experiences this beautiful country offers.
5. How do you select property developers to work with?
Developers recognize that we are not a traditional real estate agency; we make a substantial financial investment in attracting buyers to Portugal. Our strong reputation has already established trust with investors, which is key to our success.
“As a result, we are very selective when choosing developers to work with, focusing on their ability to deliver high-quality properties on time and ensuring they are well-funded to protect our investors’ interests.”
6. What has been the impact of the Leisure Launch Group’s investments in the Silver Coast region?
We feel that we’ve made a positive, albeit small, contribution to the local economies of the towns and villages where we operate. Our policy of employing people from the local community supports the workforce and fosters growth in the area. It’s heartening to see villages that felt forgotten 20 years ago now buzzing with activity—busy restaurants, cafes filled with customers, and increased employment.
The foreign investors we bring to the region also tend to spend more money locally, which has helped revitalize local markets and encouraged councils to attract new events. Overall, we’ve noticed a marked improvement in the quality of life and vibrancy of these communities, and it’s rewarding to witness this positive change.
7. How do you respond to concerns about rising house prices as a result of foreign investment in Portugal?
While the media often portrays foreign investors as competition for local housing, I believe this view is somewhat misleading.
“Foreign investment has brought wealth to Portugal, primarily in areas that are not typically occupied by locals. These properties are often new-build second homes located close to the coast, which do not compete with existing homes occupied by local families.”
Additionally, the global rise in construction costs has significantly impacted the property market. There has been a revaluation of properties in Portugal, which were historically undervalued compared to other countries. This necessary adjustment, combined with increased construction prices, contributed to higher property prices overall, not just in new builds.
As a result, there is a shortage of housing across all sectors. This situation offers ongoing opportunities for investors, as the demand for accommodation continues to grow in Portugal.
8. How has Portugal performed in making itself more attractive to foreign investors, particularly in real estate?
Portugal has done very well in becoming attractive to foreign investors, especially in real estate. When the group first began investing in Portugal, the process was quite challenging due to bureaucracy, particularly for foreigners. However, over time, these processes have become much simpler.
“Today, Portugal offers a welcoming environment for investors, and its real estate market is more appealing than ever. The Portuguese government has made significant improvements that enhance the investment experience.”
Overall, I believe Portugal’s real estate market is ahead of many competitors, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest. While there’s always room for improvement, I am optimistic about the positive direction of the last two decades.
9. What is your outlook on the future of the real estate market in Portugal?
Our outlook for the future of real estate in Portugal is positive. The revaluation of property in line with the rest of Europe has benefitted investors. The legal framework supporting real estate is well-regarded internationally, and the stable political environment, despite changes in government, enhances the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
“There is strong demand for second homes, along with limitations on the ability to produce these properties. This makes Portugal an excellent location for investment, with significant potential for capital appreciation.”
Additionally, the increasing number of foreigners choosing to live in Portugal further supports this positive outlook. Together, these factors indicate a bright future for real estate investment in Portugal.
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